Dual Tinting Dynamic Windows Using Reversible Metal Electrodeposition and Prussian Blue

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Energy Storage

Background:

• Electronically tintable windows offer an alternative to traditional electrochromic materials.
• Reversible metal electrodeposition provides high optical contrast but faces challenges in large-scale uniform deposition.
• Existing metal-based dynamic windows require specific counter electrode designs for efficient ion migration.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop dynamic windows utilizing reversible bismuth electrodeposition.
• To integrate a Prussian blue counter electrode for enhanced functionality.
• To achieve fast switching speeds and high optical contrast on a large scale.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of dynamic windows with a working electrode for reversible Bi electrodeposition.
• Incorporation of a Prussian blue counter electrode acting as a charge storage layer and coloring material.
• Testing of 25 cm² devices for switching speed and optical contrast at 700 nm.

Main Results:

• The developed dynamic windows demonstrate reversible Bi electrodeposition.
• The Prussian blue counter electrode effectively intercalates K+ ions and colors anodically.
• Devices achieved a high optical contrast of ~67.5% at 700 nm.
• The 25 cm² devices exhibited rapid switching speeds of only 3 seconds.

Conclusions:

• The combination of reversible Bi electrodeposition and a Prussian blue counter electrode enables high-performance dynamic windows.
• These devices represent the fastest reported dynamic windows using reversible metal electrodeposition at this scale.
• The technology shows promise for energy-efficient smart window applications.